Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft
27. New England Patriots
RB: Sony Michel, James White, Damien Harris, Rex Burkhead (18/25)
The Patriots may have a lot of quantity in the running back room, but they lack a quality starter. Sony Michel, despite his first-round pedigree, has been abysmal; he averaged under 3.7 yards per carry last year and is a liability in the passing game. James White is a great receiving back, but he has never been utilized much as a runner.
While many expected 2019 third-round pick Damien Harris to contribute last season, he obviously couldn’t beat out Burkhead as he had just four rush attempts last season.
WR: N’Keal Harry, Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, Marqise Lee (18/25)
Julian Edelman has proven to be a great slot receiver, but he’ll be 34 years old by the start of the season and dealt with injuries down the stretch. Harry is an intriguing project, but missing the first eight games last season really stunted his development; he has much to prove going into his second season. The remainder of the roster is filled with below average veterans.
TE: Matt LaCosse, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene (14/25)
This ranking is generous, mainly because I liked what I saw from Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene’s tape. Nonetheless, they are unproven rookies that enter one of the most complicated offensive systems in the NFL; I’d be surprised to see either put up impressive numbers in their rookie season. Matt LaCosse is plainly not good, only catching 13 balls last season and failing to beat out a decrepit Benjamin Watson.
Offensive Line: Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon (24/25)
Luckily for New England, their offensive line has always been elite for much of Tom Brady’s tenure. The Patriots gave up the seventh-fewest sacks in the league last season and 17th-fewest quarterback hits. We will see this year how much of their success was due to Brady’s quick release and pocket awareness, but for now, they earn high marks.
Total Score: 74/100
Summary: Bill Belichick essentially verified everything Tom Brady has complained about; once again, the team has failed to surround their quarterback with game-changing weapons and instead elected to get by with mediocre skill position players. The only thing that keeps them from the bottom of these rankings is their stellar offensive line.